Hulu’s scripted true crime series Murdaugh: Death in the Family has earned an unexpected endorsement from a key figure tied to the real-life case. Following the show’s October 15 premiere, attorney Eric Bland — who represents the family of longtime Murdaugh housekeeper Gloria Satterfield — publicly praised the drama for its depiction of his late client.
The series dramatizes the rise and fall of Alex Murdaugh, the once-powerful South Carolina attorney convicted of murdering his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, on June 7, 2021. Led by Jason Clarke as Alex Murdaugh, with Patricia Arquette as Maggie and Johnny Berchtold as Paul, Murdaugh: Death in the Family also portrays the wider circle connected to the family, including Satterfield and her two sons, Tony Satterfield and Brian Harriott.
In a detailed Facebook statement, Bland applauded the creative team’s handling of Satterfield’s story, emphasizing that the series goes beyond labels to capture who she was to the family — and to her own children.
Who Gloria Satterfield Was — And How Hulu’s Series Depicts Her
While Murdaugh: Death in the Family centers on Alex Murdaugh and the events surrounding the murders, the series also highlights people woven into the family’s daily life. Among them is Gloria Satterfield, who worked in the Murdaugh household for years and became an enduring presence for the family, especially Paul.
Bland’s comments underscore that perspective. “My hats off to the writers and the producers for portraying Gloria in such a glorious light,” he wrote, noting his long-standing frustration when Satterfield is described “as simply a housekeeper.” He continued, “Don’t get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with being a housekeeper; it is virtuous and honest work. But as you can see from the series, Gloria was so much more than that to the entire Murdaugh family. She was someone who was trusted, although not valued as much as she should’ve been, and an absolute rock for Paul.”
By weaving Satterfield’s relationship with the Murdaughs into its narrative, the show broadens the scope of a case that has often been dominated by courtroom headlines. It frames Gloria as integral to the family dynamic, reflecting the way those close to her have described her impact.
Attorney Eric Bland’s Reaction To Hulu’s Portrayal
Bland’s post goes beyond a simple endorsement, urging viewers to focus on the heart of Satterfield’s story rather than nitpicking smaller dramatic liberties. “Don’t get caught up in the timeline modifications or try and find a gotcha moment because something was written incorrectly as to the true facts,” he wrote. “Just take it as gospel on how vital Gloria was to her family as well as to the Murdaughs.”
The attorney also spotlighted the character of Satterfield’s sons as a living extension of her legacy. “I have spent so much time with Tony Satterfield and Brian Harriott, Gloria’s two sons,” Bland added. “They are the nicest and most appreciative young men I could’ve ever asked for as clients. You can tell that the goodness and warmth of Gloria is spread all over those men.” He further praised Gloria’s extended family — “her sister Ginger and brothers Scott and Eric” — calling them “equally warm and devout Christians. Salt of the Earth people.”
Bland concluded by thanking the series for what he describes as an honest representation not only of Satterfield but also of others tied to the case. “I am very grateful for Hulu giving an accurate portrayal of our client Gloria and our other worthy clients, Sandy and Stephen Smith,” he wrote.
For a real-world participant in a widely covered case to publicly commend a dramatization is notable. True crime adaptations often face scrutiny over accuracy and sensitivity; Bland’s remarks suggest Hulu’s series struck a careful balance in exploring the Murdaugh orbit while centering the humanity of those caught in the fallout.
The Show’s Focus And Release Schedule
Murdaugh: Death in the Family blends legal drama with a character-driven approach to a saga that has gripped the country. By casting actors as the key Murdaugh figures and the people around them, the series attempts to translate years of investigations and testimony into a guided narrative — one that, according to Bland, gets the heart of Gloria Satterfield’s story right.
The first three episodes debuted on Hulu on October 15, with new installments rolling out ahead of the finale on November 19. The staggered release gives audiences time to digest the series’ layered depiction of the family, the crimes, and the many lives intersecting with the Murdaughs.
As viewers continue through the season, Bland’s comments may serve as a helpful lens: the series isn’t a courtroom transcript, but a dramatized retelling that aims to honor the individuals behind the headlines. In the case of Gloria Satterfield, that means spotlighting the role she played in a household that has since become synonymous with scandal — and acknowledging the people who continue to carry her memory forward.
For true crime audiences, Murdaugh: Death in the Family offers a high-profile dramatization of a case still resonating nationwide. And for those who knew Gloria Satterfield, the series’ portrayal — at least in the eyes of her family’s attorney — is a welcome attempt to tell her story with care.
